Forum Topic

Underlying health problems

I'm not just being nosey when I say that I'd like to know what the underlying health problems of the three people dead with Coronavirus were. Are we talking serious heart disease, liver or kidney problems or 'Well, he had asthma'? The most recent had apparently been well enough to travel to Italy just beforehand.Surely this information would help to assess risk and determine who, among those affected, is most in need of hospital treatment.

Susan Kelly ● 2432d21 Comments

This is just a short list Diabetes Those living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes could be at greater risk of more severe symptoms. Heart diseaseAsthmaChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)CancerCystic FibrosisPrimary Immunodeficiency (PID)Smoking, smokers are much more susceptible to getting coronavirus due to their weakened lung function.

Bernard Allen ● 2432d

My point is that it would be helpful to be told what the people who have died had by way of underlying conditions, rather than just a list of possible problems.

Susan Kelly ● 2432d

Bernard has put his finger on the button. It is largely to do with the condition of the lungs, hence the development of pneumonia which is the ultimate killer.  If the body cannot clear the lungs of fluid so that the interchange of oxygen into the blood stream cannot happen then all the vital organs are affected.

Elizabeth Ross ● 2432d

Yes, you are being nosey. Medical records and history are confidential. End of.

Ken Munn ● 2432d

Well, judging by Bernard's list I've had it!

Vanessa Smith ● 2432d

'Medical records and history are confidential. End of.'Not, apparently, so confidential that it can't be reported that they died of coronavirus.

Susan Kelly ● 2432d

That's cause-of-death. Often reported.

Ken Munn ● 2432d

They decide on what they are going to put on a death certificate - for instance MRSA was not put on it at one time - not until they wanted to know how many people dying had it.

Philippa Bond ● 2431d

Those undergoing chemo with compromised immune system also at risk. One person who died earlier in week was listed as having underlying health issues:  Arthritis and high cholesterol!

Sean Wales ● 2430d

The idea that everyone having chemotherapy is immuno-compromised is outdated. When I had it a couple of years ago, I was given drugs to support my immune system and led a normal life throughout, including travelling into central London on the tube, attending the theatre etc.

Susan Kelly ● 2430d

As with ordinary flu elderly people take a lot longer to recover, I have low immune system so an ordinary cold takes weeks sometimes months to clear completely.

Janice Evans ● 2430d

Also being advised to eat well and keep warm is another thing the elderlyfind difficult to cope with financially these days.

Janice Evans ● 2430d

A meals on wheels service can be a real life-line if you can afford it.

Philippa Bond ● 2430d

my elderly neighbour has Wiltshire Farm meals delivered and said they a are good, no idea of the cost.

Janice Evans ● 2430d

Yes, I understand those are good.  FIL had a local company (he could only make soup and porridge in the microwave because he was blind) and really enjoyed the meals (and when he wanted a break and I was there I made him something different and ate his).  Lovely cheery people delivering which is great when you are on your own.Milk and More also deliver more than milk and I understand have a system where you can order and pay for delivery for someone else - eg another family member.

Philippa Bond ● 2429d

Susan. My sister is having chemo and her immune system still extremely low despite the support. She has has some serious complications and been hospitalised on two occasions. I agree not all chemo is the same but nonetheless it is better to be safe than sorry and heed the advice she has been given.

Sean Wales ● 2429d

Sounds sensible in her case, Sean. Has she been having the drug (Filgrastim) which supports the immune system? If not, might be worth asking why.

Susan Kelly ● 2429d

Yes she has Filgrastim and all other immune support. As a family we are totally self isolating to support her. Scary times.

Sean Wales ● 2429d

Are you well now Susan, hope your sister makes a full recovery Sean.

Janice Evans ● 2429d

I hope it all works out, Sean,Janice, yes I am well, thanks, and no sign of problems with the immune system.

Susan Kelly ● 2429d

That's excellent, they were testing me for Cancer but got the all clear a few weeks ago so I know how stressful it can be.

Janice Evans ● 2429d